Trois Frères Distillery Takamaka PTI Lakaz (Batch 2) 2023

PTI Lakaz, this being the second batch from 2023, is a rum from Takamaka, made at the Trois Freres distillery on the Seychelles and bottled at 45.1%. The island sits well off the usual rum map, and Takamaka has built a following for approachable, characterful releases.

The profile leans sweet and spicy. A soft nose of vanilla, spice, fruit and caramel gives way to a palate of vanilla, orange and nutmeg with a faint glue like edge, while the finish carries vanilla, orange, nutmeg and pepper, plus a light smoky touch on some pours. It has been likened to a softer Foursquare with herbal notes, not loud or especially deep but clean and free of off notes, with fresh tropical fruit emerging on aeration. At 45.1% it offers a touch more weight than a basic 40% bottle without becoming challenging, an easy, well priced sipper and a friendly window onto Seychelles rum.